Welcome to our Success Stories page! Here, we celebrate the remarkable journeys of our learners and the employers who have partnered with us to unlock potential and achieve success.
Through our Access Training programs, individuals gain the skills and confidence to transform their careers, while businesses discover talented, well-prepared employees ready to thrive. Each story is a testament to the power of learning, perseverance, and collaboration.
Explore how Access Training has changed lives, empowered careers, and supported businesses to grow. Whether you’re a learner seeking inspiration or an employer looking to make an impact, these success stories show what’s possible when opportunities are embraced.
Explore how Access Training has changed lives, empowered careers, and supported businesses to grow. Whether you’re a learner seeking inspiration or an employer looking to make an impact, these success stories show what’s possible when opportunities are embraced.
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Rosie’s apprenticeship journey
Rosie, Property Maintenance Operative Level 2 “I’ve always admired people working in trades, and apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to get real-time experience” “I wanted to learn with a reputable organisation so I’d feel supported, especially as a woman going into construction. NCHA’s commitment to equality, with 50% of their board being female, really stood out to me.” |
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Marisa’s housing apprenticeship journey
Marisa Cabral, Housing and Property Management Level 3 Completing an apprenticeship in Housing and Property Management in 2023 was a transformative experience. It wasn’t just about gaining a qualification—it was the foundation that set her on a path to success and opened doors to new opportunities. Today, Marisa is thriving as a second-year Joint Honours Accounting and Finance student at Nottingham Trent University. |
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Advancing through Access Training
Suzanna Locke, Housing and Property Management Level 3 "In the role, I wanted to enhance my career development and deepen my understanding of the housing sector. Pursuing a formal qualification felt like the right step, and the apprenticeship in Housing and Property Management (level 3) stood out as a great opportunity." "My tutor, Amada, was fantastic, her flexibility and knowledge of NCHA ensured I stayed on track. She was always there to check in, address any challenges, and push me toward success." |
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My journey into housing and professional development
Emma Cresswell, Housing and Property Management Level 3 "When I started working at NCHA in 2020, I had no prior experience in housing. My role within Property Services sparked my curiosity about the broader aspects of the sector. I wanted to expand my knowledge to take a more holistic approach to my work, understanding how all areas of housing come together to support our customers." "The support I received from our learning and development team was invaluable. Access Training’s lesson content was practical and engaging, and collaborating with peers from other housing providers offered fresh perspectives." |
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Overcoming challenges and career progression
Colin Collins, Property Maintenance Operative Level 2 Colin was offered the opportunity to undertake the apprenticeship, which has since helped him transition into a new role within the organisation. When he first started, he disclosed that he is severely dyslexic and had not completed any formal English work since leaving school. Writing tasks were particularly challenging for him, so much so that his wife would typically support him. “This course has been instrumental in supporting me to make my move to my new role with Clarion. I have learnt many new skills that I can use day-to-day to make a difference to the local community." |
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Counting the value of apprenticeship
Charlotte Johnson – Business Administration Level 3 “Charlotte’s journey is a fantastic example of how apprenticeships provide a strong foundation for a successful career. Through hands-on learning and dedicated support, she was able to develop the skills and confidence needed to progress in the finance sector. " |
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A career change thanks to an Early Years Apprenticeships
Asmaa Elsayed - Level 2 Early Years Practitioner “I had outstanding training with Access Training, and their support made a huge difference. My assessor, Olivia, was always available to answer my questions, explain anything I didn’t understand, and prepare me thoroughly for my exams. Her guidance also helped me choose my next steps with confidence.” |
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Achieving success through a Business Administration Apprenticeship
Sara Stepp - Level 3 Business Administrator “Access Training has helped me achieve my level 3 in Business administration and both maths and English Functional Skills. The help and support given from my trainer assessor and tutors at Access Training has been invaluable throughout the whole of my apprenticeship, as well as knowing that help is at hand whenever I need it." |
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From Apprentice to Deputy Manager in Early Years Education
Georgia Wright - Level 3 Early Years Educator Georgia credits her apprenticeship with Access Training for providing the strong foundation she needed in childcare “The support I received from Olivia, I now mirror when I mentor our next apprentices at our workplace.” |
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There is ability in every disability
Owen Hayes - Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Here at Access Training, we believe in unlocking potential, regardless of the challenges life throws our way. Over the years, we’ve proudly supported hundreds of apprentices in achieving their Customer Service qualifications, and one story stands out as a true inspiration – that of Owen Hayes. “Be yourself, respect others, and work hard. There is ability in every disability!” |
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Overcoming challenges, building skills and inspiring others
James Nicol - Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor “The course was delivered through online sessions and face-to-face meetings, which helped me develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to complete the apprenticeship. It has given me confidence in my job role as well as the skills to motivate my team.” |
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Mentoring her way to success
Georgie Ankcorn - Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor “I am very grateful for the mentoring course, and although I found it difficult towards the end, Gordon was there every step of the way to support and guide me. Even though I have now finished my course, I continue to use the skills every day and have gone on to mentor new members of staff that have joined the practice.” |
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A rising star in Customer Service
Grace Bugg - Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship “Access Training has been super supportive throughout, and they helped me achieve more than I required. This will help me progress further in my role.” |
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Access Training and NCHA – Building Futures Together
“They have played a part in the success of our apprenticeship program. Their expertise, adaptability, and dedication to high-quality training have been crucial in delivering a pipeline of skilled tradespeople for the future.” |
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Chloe Sadler - NCC Customer Service Practitioner
Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship “The studying I am doing with Access Training is helping with my daily tasks. I gather evidence to present in my assignments. It feels really good to be learning on the job." |
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Housing association upskills colleagues
Georgina Weedon - CIH Level 3 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship “I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to progress their housing career as it covers a broad range of areas, including managing empty properties, maintenance services, asset management, the history of the housing system, lettings and allocations, anti-social behaviour, and homelessness services.” |
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Sixth form is not the only option – and it’s never too late to change paths!
Asiyah-La'Shae Hall - Business Admin Apprentice "Everyone has a different path in life, and I’m so pleased I realised in time that sixth form wasn’t for me. I’m proud to have excelled in the workplace in a way I really don’t think would have been possible for me in an academic environment.” |
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Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
“The trust is there in abundance, though, and we allow Access to do more for us than some other providers, because we know they are reliable, honest, and will not over promise." |
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A career in Construction made possible through the CSCS Card Course
Ashley Price - Construction Learner “Because of this course, I can now access building sites which has made a massive boost to what I can earn and, ultimately, my quality of life. Gaining my CSCS card has made me so much more attractive to employers, and I’m really pleased that I’ve already been accepted for my first job.” |
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How my apprenticeship was the best route into Nursing
Georgia Page - Health Care Assistant “To anyone who is interested in a career in Nursing but who doesn’t have qualifications in the required subjects from school, I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. Valuable on-the-job learning each and every day, and the bonus of being paid for the privilege!” |
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Carpenters Arms
"Training from Access has brought two immediate benefits. Firstly, it has given the guys real confidence, and has brought normality and balance to what have otherwise been very chaotic lives. Secondly, it has led to some residents considering other paths, and has proved a valuable addition to their CVs and a reference point at interview." |
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Supporting the homeless with the practical skills learned from my apprenticeship
Terri-Ann France - Temporary Accommodation Officer Nottingham City Homes “I’m sure my own experience of homelessness – and my desire then to help other children and families that find themselves in the same situation – gave me the hunger to learn for my apprenticeship. Not having enough food, living on the streets, dealing with the uncertainty – they’re all very real and immediate fears faced by the families I deal with, and ones with which I can fully empathise.” |
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Celebrating Access Training’s 5,000th apprentice
Menuka Basnet - Health Care Assistant Nottingham Universities Hospitals “I joined NUH as a Health Care Assistant five years ago. It’s certainly hard work – with long shifts from 7am until 7.30pm – but I thoroughly enjoy caring for the patients in my charge." |
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Fountain Medical Centre
“The apprenticeship programmes we have introduced have provided a structured approach to staff learning which we simply wouldn’t have had time to devise ourselves. Better still, the financial support we’ve received through the transfer of Nottingham University Hospitals Apprenticeship Levy means we’ve been able to train four members of staff at zero cost to our practice.” |
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Supporting apprentices led to an apprenticeship of my own
Gemma Rigley - Education Co-ordinator DREEAM, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust “An apprenticeship truly ticks all boxes: of course it teaches theory in the same way a college course might; but crucially, it provides the experience which employers jump at when selecting candidates.” |
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From Apprentice to Teacher with Access Training
Lucy Korneluk - Teacher Trainee Foxwood Academy “An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to learn through direct experience. But it’s important to choose the right apprenticeship partner.” |
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Foxwood Academy
"The result of this rigorous recruitment and ongoing assessment? Handpicked candidates who, once we’ve invested in them, we never want to let go!” |
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emh group
"The insight and evidence we receive from Access gives us certainty that our Levy money is being well spent on delivering social housing excellence.” |
